The Battle of Khemkaran also known as Operation Mailed Fist, fought from 8 to 10 September 1965, was a key engagement during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965. Pakistani forces launched a major offensive with the aim of capturing the town of Khem Karan, located 5 km inside Indian territory, as part of a broader plan to advance toward Amritsar and the Beas River.
Background
The Pakistani 1st Armoured Division and 11 Infantry Division, under the command of Major General Nasir Khan, spearheaded the attack. Pakistan aimed to threaten India's XI Corps flank and relieve pressure on Lahore by capturing key Indian positions. Pakistani forces initially achieved significant gains, including the capture of Khem Karan on 8 September.[1]
Initially, Pakistani forces made significant gains. The Indian 4 Mountain Division, commanded by Major General Gurbaksh Singh and responsible for defending Khem Karan, was caught off guard by the scale and speed of the Pakistani assault. The open terrain in this region was conducive to tank warfare, and Pakistan believed its superior armoured force would quickly overwhelm the Indian Army. However, the Indian military leadership quickly adapted to the situation. Lieutenant General Harbaksh Singh, commanding the Western Command, ordered reinforcements, including the 2 (Independent) Armoured Brigade, commanded by Brigadier TK Theograj. Despite the early setbacks, Indian forces regrouped and prepared to confront Pakistan’s advancing armoured columns in a decisive manner.[2]
The Battle
Wall Clock of the Railway Station of Khem Karan. Now the clock is in the custody of the Army Museum Rawalpindi
Pakistani tanks advanced through difficult terrain but faced stiff resistance from Indian forces, including the 4 Mountain Division and the 2 Independent Armoured Brigade. Despite initial successes, logistical challenges and coordinated Indian counterattacks led to heavy casualties on both sides. According to At the Forward Edge of Battle: History of the Pakistan Armoured Corps, 1938-2005, elements of the Pakistani bridgehead were overextended, leading to critical vulnerabilities. The book notes:
“During the night from 9 to 10 September, 5th Armoured Brigade was reverted to the 6th Armoured Division. However, logistical challenges and Indian air superiority hindered further progress. The HQ of the 11th Division had no clear understanding of the Indian defenses, leading to fragmented and ultimately ineffective advances. In September, the leading elements had thus advanced only a mile past the custom post at Khem Karan. Ultimately, the brigade broke out on 8 September on two axes with the M47s of 6th Lancers under their indomitable commanding officer Lieutenant General Sahib Zad Gul. Advancing for 10km and having their right flank protected by a squadron of 15th Lancers, commanded by Akram Hussain Syed, they made good progress towards Valtoha. 24th Cavalry led by Ali Imam only arrived in the bridgehead on the morning of the breakout, and then advanced on the left into stiffer opposition by Shermans of 9th Horse, the only Indian armoured regiment in the area. However, unlike the Pakistani M4s, this Indian unit operated Shermans equipped with the superior 76mm cannon."[3][4]
On 8 September, the Pakistani 1st Armoured Division and 11 Infantry Division, under the command of Major General Nasir Khan, pushed an offensive towards Khem Karan with the intent to capture Amritsar and the bridge on River Beas to Jalandhar. Pakistan captured Khem Karan on 8th September, but beyond this point, the Pakistani tanks faced fierce resistance. They were engaged by the tanks of the Indian Deccan Horse and, despite attempts to break through and outflank the Indian positions, Pakistan’s advance stalled.[5]
Outcome
While Pakistan successfully captured Khem Karan, its forces were ultimately halted at Asal Uttar. Indian counterattacks, supported by superior air coordination, inflicted significant losses on the Pakistani 1st Armoured Division. The battle at Asal Uttar marked a turning point, leading to the eventual halt of Pakistani forces.[6][7]
The Pakistan Army retained control of Khem Karan, a Tehsil-level town, until the end of the war.[8]
^Major General Syed Ali Hamid (2016). At the Forward Edge of Battle: A History of the Pakistan Armoured Corps 1938–2016, Volume 2. Services Book Club. p. 52. In September, the leading elements had thus advanced only a mile past the customs post at Khem Karan. Ultimately, the brigade broke out on 8 September on two axes with the M47s of 6th Lancers under their indomitable commanding officer Lieutenant General Sahib Zad Gul.
